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Rasagiline may slow decline of Parkinson's
disease:
The Parkinson's study group reported that Rasagiline may be beneficial in
preventing decline in early Parkinson's disease. Study goal was to show
whether rasagiline can slow progression in early Parkinson's disease.
Patient who took the medication for the full 12 months did better than
those delayed treatment. Some patients were given this drug 6 months later
to see the effects of not treating early. Researchers found that patient
who took 1mg/day or 2/mg of rasagiline where less likely to decline in
activities of daily living and the UPDRS scale. Analysis of an on-going
open label study (Mark Lew et al) has suggested long term safety and efficacy.
Theoretically this agent provides protection against the progressive
neurodegenerative process of this disease and therefore future studies are
needed.
Milk and Parkinson's disease:
The quest for the cause or causes of Parkinson's disease
continues. Recently a study published in the journal neurology
suggested increased incidence of Parkinson's disease with milk consumption. The
authors have evaluated milk intake in middle aged men between the age of 45 to
68 years. A 2-3 times increased risk of developing Parkinson's disease is
noted in those who consumed more than 16 OZ per day. Evidence suggests
that nutrient intake may have and important association with the incidence of
Parkinson's disease. Most studies are retrospective, in fact this
particular is also retrospective (1965-1968, 7500 men observed). Whether
observed mediated through certain nutrients or other neurotoxins in the milk is
not known and further studies ( prospected controlled) are needed.
Ref. (neurology 64:6, 2005)
Apomorphine injection provides rescue:
Certain aspects of advanced Parkinson's disease, such as
dyskinesias and motor fluctuations are hard to control with currently
available medical treatment. Continuous subcutaneous injection of
apomorphine is an effective and well-tolerated solution for untreated motor
fluctuations in patients with Parkinson's disease, according a new poster
presentation. This poster was presented the 2005 during the american
academy of neurology meeting. ref. (57 annual
program, 2005, S47.007)
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